Smoking apparatus accessory and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A smoking apparatus is provided. The smoking apparatus includes a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a concave interior surface. The smoking apparatus further includes a retaining member coupled to the second end of the main body. The retaining member defines a ring-like frame configured to releasably retain an object therein. The concave interior surface is configured to contact and fluidically seal a top surface of a chamber of a smoking pipe to pack and/or extinguish smoking product within the chamber.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application to Joseph Cruz entitled “SMOKING APPARATUS ACCESSORY AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME,” Ser. No. 62/007,850, filed Jun. 4, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to smoking accessories and in particular to a device to be used in connection with a smoking apparatus and a method of using the same.

2. State of the Art

Smoking is the practice of burning a substance by fire and breathing in the resulting smoke to absorb the desired properties of the substance. Combustion of the dry substance vaporizes the active ingredient in the substance and creates heated aerosol and gas that can be inhaled into the lungs, whereupon the active ingredient enters the bloodstream of the user.

Smoking has been in practice for thousands of years and evidence of smoking can be found in both historical and modern cultures and civilizations all around the globe. Smoking has been associated with any number of historical events, rituals, and activities, such as revered religious ceremonies, incense burning, weddings, funerals, achieving spiritual enlightenment, and making fire offerings to deity. Smoking continues to play a part in modern culture, including being used to alter mood, to relax, to de-stress, and to integrate within particular common social gatherings.

Pipe smoking is the practice of tasting or inhaling the smoke produced by burning a substance, most commonly tobacco, in a pipe. It is the oldest traditional form of smoking. To smoke a pipe, a substance is placed in the bowl of the pipe and the substance is lit by fire. The resulting smoke is inhaled by the user.

However, in pipe smoking, the size of the bowl or the properties of the product to be smoked may result in inherent difficulties with using the pipe to smoke the product. For example, it may be difficult to place the desired amount of product in the bowl, to configure the product in the desired configuration in the bowl, to light the substance on fire, and/or to extinguish the lit product, if desired.

In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to the smoking industry to develop a smoking apparatus or accessory that addresses the problems presented above.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to smoking accessories and in particular to a device to be used in connection with a smoking apparatus and a method of using the same.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes a smoking apparatus comprising a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a concave interior surface, and a retaining member coupled to the second end, the retaining member defining a ring-like frame configured to releasably retain an object therein, wherein the concave interior surface is configured to contact and fluidically seal a top surface of a chamber of a smoking pipe.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a smoking apparatus comprising a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a concave interior surface, and a retaining member coupled to the second end, the retaining member defining a circular opening configured to releasably retain an object therein, wherein the concave interior surface is configured to contact and fluidically seal a top surface of a chamber of a smoking pipe and wherein the circular opening is configured to releasably secure a bowl of the smoking pipe therein.

The foregoing and other features, advantages, and construction of the present disclosure will be more readily apparent and fully appreciated from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional smoking pipe.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of a smoking apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the smoking apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a back view of an embodiment of the smoking apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a conventional smoking pipe and an embodiment of the smoking apparatus being used with the smoking pipe in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a conventional smoking pipe and an embodiment of the smoking apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the smoking apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a conventional smoking pipe and an embodiment of the smoking apparatus in a depressed position in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the smoking apparatus being used to extinguish a cigarette in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the smoking apparatus releasably coupled the back of a cell phone in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the smoking apparatus releasably coupled to the back of a cell phone being used as a stand in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures listed above. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional smoking pipe 2. The smoking pipe 2 comprises a bowl 3, a chamber 4 defined by the bowl 3, a stem 5 that communicates with the bowl 3, a mouthpiece 6 on a distal end of the stem 5 opposite the bowl 3, and a draft hole 6 that runs through the stem 5 from the chamber 4 to the mouthpiece 7. While smoking, a user may place a smoking substance 8 in the chamber 4 and light the substance 8 on fire. The resulting smoke from the substance 8 may be breathed in by the user if the user places his/her mouth on the mouthpiece 7 and inhales the smoke from the chamber 4, through the draft hole 6, out the mouthpiece 7, and into the user's mouth and lungs.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a smoking apparatus 10. Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise at least a main body 12 and a retaining member 20. Further, embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise various structural and functional components that complement one another to provide the unique functionality and performance of the apparatus 10, the structure and function of which will be described in greater detail herein.

Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the main body 12. The main body 12 may be cylindrical in shape and have a first end 14 and a second end 16. The first end 14 and the second end 16 may be sides of the main body 12 that oppose one another. The main body 12 may also acquire or assume other compatible shapes, other than cylindrical, such as rectangular, square, diamond, oval, triangle, or other familiar or random shapes. The main body 12 may be flat, such that it resembles a level plate, a level plane, or other flat surface. The main body 12 may be configured to have a diameter or a length that is at least about 3 mm. In other words, the first end 14 may be configured to have a diameter or a length that is at least about 3 mm.

Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the main body 12 being configured in a concave, cylindrical shape. The concavity of the main body 12 may define a hollow 18 between the first end 14 and the second end 16. The concavity of the main body 12 may define an interior surface 15 that defines the hollow 18, the interior surface 15 opening up to the first end 14 and having a diameter or a length that is at least about 3 mm at the first end 14 and tapering to a shorter diameter at the second end 16. The hollow 18 of the main body 12 may be such that the hollow 18 of the main body 12 is shaped like the interior of a bowl or other similar dish-shaped container. The hollow 18 of the main body 12 may be cylindrically shaped, such that the hollow 18 defines the inwardly-curved interior surface 15. As a result of the first end 14 being concave in shape, the second end 16 may appear to be convex in shape. However, it is not necessary that the second end 16 mirror, correspond to, or reflect the shape of the first end 14. In other words, despite the main body 12 defining a curved interior surface 15 that further defines a hollow 18 in the first end 14, the second end 16 may have a non-corresponding shape to that of the first end 14.

Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the main body 12 being comprised of a flexible material or a composite of two or more flexible materials. As a non-limiting example, the main body 12 may be comprised of silicone rubber that is formulated to be flexible and shatter resistant. The main body 12 that is comprised of silicone rubber may be configured to withstand heat up to at least 450° F., including heat spikes of up to 550° F. Moreover, aside from temperature resistance and inherent high flexibility, the main body 12 that is comprised of silicone rubber may have excellent resistance to water, good electrical insulation properties and inert compounds to resist fungus and mold growth. In other words, the main body 12 that is comprised of silicone rubber may exhibit exceptional electrical, moisture and chemical resistance, may be extremely stable, and may be suitable for use with many acids and alkalis. Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the main body 12 being comprised of a flexible material such that the main body 12, including the interior surface 15 and the hollow 18, may exhibit suction-cup like characteristics. As configured, the main body 12 may utilize the negative fluid pressure of air to adhere to nonporous surfaces and in the process create a partial vacuum between the interior surface 15 and the nonporous surface. The interior surface 15 is the working surface of the suction action. Under the condition the first end 14 of the main body 12 is placed against a substantially flat, non-porous surface and the main body 12 is pressed down to flatten the main body 12, and thus the interior surface 15, against the flat surface, the volume of the hollow 18 is reduced, which causes the fluid within the hollow 18 to be expelled past the rim of the first end 14. After the user ceases application of force on the main body 12, the flexible main body 12 attempts to resume its original, curved shape. However, because at least a portion, if not a substantial portion, of the fluid has been forced out of the hollow 18, the hollow 18 has a resulting reduced-pressure as compared to the pressure of the ambient air. This pressure difference between the pressure of ambient air pushing against the second end 16 and the low-pressure within the hollow 18 may keep the main body 12 adhered to the surface for a considerable time, or at least until the pressure within the hollow 18 returns to normal ambient levels.

Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the retaining member 20. The retaining member 20 may be configured to be coupled to the second end 16 of the main body 12. The retaining member 20 may be configured to be fixedly coupled to the second end 16 of the main body 12, such that the retaining member 20 and the main body 12 are comprised of an integral single component. Alternatively, the retaining member 20 may be configured to be releasably coupled to the second end 16 of the main body 12, such that the retaining member 20 and the main body 12 are comprised of two separate and complementary components. Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the retaining member 20 and the second end 16 of the main body 12 being fixed relative to one another. Alternatively, embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the retaining member 20 and the second end 16 of the main body 12 being configured to rotate, bend, twist, stretch, turn, flex, or otherwise move with respect to one another.

Embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the retaining member 20 having a frame 22 being configured in a ring-like shape, or at least in a partial-circular shape that has an opening in one side thereof. The frame 22 may define an interior region 24, the interior region 24 being configured to receive therein an object and the frame 22 being configured to retain the object within the interior region 24. In other words, the frame 22 of the retaining member 20 may be configured to grip, clasp, clutch, seize, catch, or otherwise hold an object within the interior region 24 defined by the frame 22. In this way, the retaining member 20 may couple to another object and either support the object or be supported by the object. As a non-limiting example, the retaining member 20 may be configured to receive therein a conventional cigarette lighter. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the body of the cigarette lighter may be inserted into the interior region 24 of the frame 22, such that the retaining member 20 is releasably coupled to the cigarette lighter and is supported thereby, or vice versa.

Embodiments of the retaining member 20 may be comprised of a flexible material or a composite of two or more flexible materials. As a non-limiting example, the retaining member 20 may be comprised of silicone rubber that is formulated to be flexible and shatter resistant. The retaining member 20 that is comprised of silicone rubber may be configured to withstand heat up to at least 450° F., including heat spikes of up to 550° F. Moreover, aside from temperature resistance and inherent high flexibility, the retaining member 20 that is comprised of silicone rubber may have excellent resistance to water, good electrical insulation properties and inert compounds to resist fungus and mold growth. In other words, the retaining member 20 that is comprised of silicone rubber may exhibit exceptional electrical, moisture and chemical resistance, may be extremely stable, and may be suitable for use with many acids and alkalis. Embodiments of the retaining member 20 may be comprised of other alternative flexible members that permit retaining member 20 to function according to the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the retaining member 20 may alternatively be comprised of a substantially rigid member, such that the retaining member 20 does not substantially flex, bend, or otherwise twist. In this way, the retaining member 20 may more securely retain an object within the frame 22 of the retaining member 20 once the object is inserted within the interior region 24.

With reference now to FIG. 5, embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the apparatus 10 being utilized to help pack, ignite, and/or extinguish the smoking product 8 within the chamber 4 of the bowl 3 of the pipe 2. As depicted, the apparatus 10 may be placed over the product 8 within the bowl 3, such that the interior surface 15 may contact the top surface 9 of the bowl 3. In this way, the interior surface 15 of the apparatus 10 may also contact the product 8.

With reference now to FIG. 6, embodiments of the apparatus 10 may comprise the main body 12 and the retaining member 20 being part and portion of a single member, such as a pipe stand. As a pipe stand, the retaining member 20 may comprise a cylindrical receiving end 26. The receiving end 26 may be configured on an opposite side of the first end 14 of the main body 12. The receiving end 26 may define an opening 28. The opening 28 may be configured to receive therein and thereafter releasably retain a conventional smoking bowl of varying sizes. As non-limiting examples, the opening 28 may be configured to receive smoking bowl sizes of either the 14 mm size or the 18 mm size.

Embodiments of the apparatus 10 as a pipe stand or a bowl holder may permit the user to more effectively load a bowl 3 with the smoking product 8. As a non-limiting example, the user may place the stem 5 of the bowl 3 within the opening 28 to securely fasten the bowl in place, with the main body 12 successfully supporting the retaining member 20 and the bowl 3 in place on a surface. The bowl 3 then be stored, loaded with product 8, cleaned, stored, and/or soaked for sanitation.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 the heat resistant qualities of embodiments of apparatus 10 allow the apparatus 10 to extinguish ignited products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes and the like, without being attached to a pipe or other smoking device as described above.

With reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, apparatus 10 may also be used to support a portable electronic communications device 30 by bringing main body 12 into contact with the posterior of a portable electronic communications device 30 such that the interior surface 15 of the main body 12 comes into contact with a surface of the portable electronic communication device 30 opposing the viewable screen. This allows the portable electronic communication device 30 to be placed on a flat surface, such as a table or the like, and having a resting angle between 30 degrees and 90 degrees without the user having to hold the portable electronic communication device 30 in place manually. This allows the user to interact with the portable electronic communication device 30 in a hands free manner.

Additionally, a user may releasably couple the apparatus 10 to a portable electronic communication device 30 as described above and secure the device 30, for example, between the index finger and the middle finger as opposed to securing the device 30 in the palm of the hand. Securing the portable electronic communication device 30 in this manner allows the user to hold the device 30 at an extended arm's length in order to take a self portrait, or “selfie,” with the forward facing camera of the device 30. Traditionally, a user would secure the device in the palm of the hand and operate the shutter button with the thumb. Taking a self portrait in this manner limits the angles that the photograph can be taken due to limited flexibility of the thumb while the device is secured in the palm of the hand. Securing the device 30 with the apparatus 10 as described above allows a user to take a self portrait at a greater number of angles without losing control of the device 30.

Furthermore, the components defining the above-described apparatus 10 may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled together. However, any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, 3-D printing, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. Other possible steps might include sand blasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing, hard anodizing, and/or painting the components for example.

While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the present disclosure and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A smoking apparatus comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a concave interior surface; and a retaining member coupled to the second end, the retaining member defining a ring-like frame to releasably retain an object therein, wherein the concave interior surface is configured to contact and fluidically seal a top surface of a chamber of a smoking pipe.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is a flexible material.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible material is silicone.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible material forming the concave interior surface comprises suction-cup like characteristics.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is heat resistant.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retaining member comprises a flexible material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object is a lighter.
 8. A smoking apparatus comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a concave interior surface; and a retaining member coupled to the second end, wherein the retaining member releasably retains an object therein, wherein the concave interior surface contacts and extinguishes ignited products.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the main body is a flexible material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the flexible material is silicone.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the flexible material forming the concave interior surface comprises suction-cup like characteristics.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the main body is heat resistant.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the retaining member defines a ring-like frame.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the retaining member comprises a flexible material.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the object is a lighter.
 16. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ignited products comprise cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or pipes.
 17. A smoking apparatus comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a concave interior surface; and a retaining member coupled to the second end, the retaining member releasably retaining an lighter therein, wherein the concave interior surface contacts and extinguishes ignited products and wherein the main body comprises suction-cup like characteristics for coupling to a surface of a mobile device to support the mobile device for photo taking.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the lighter supports the portable electronic device at an angle with respect to a surface upon which the portable electronic device is resting.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the lighter supports the portable electronic device when a user holds the lighter.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the main body is heat resistant. 